To the editor:

It's that time of year when kind individuals, such as yourselves, can help the less fortunate in your area. How? By leaving non-perishable food by your mailbox or on your porch, to be picked up by your local letter carriers or their helpers by 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 10th.

Each year, for the past 33 years, on the second Saturday in May, letter carriers from all 50 States, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, deliver mail and pick up non-perishable food left by their postal patrons.

This yearly venture, known as "Stamp Out Hunger," is the biggest one day food drive in this country. All the non-perishable food that will be picked up in each individual city or town, will be delivered, at the end of that day, to their local food pantries. For instance, in our town of Bristol, the food will be gladly accepted at the East Bay Food Pantry, located on Wood St. According to Jocelyn King, the pantry's Food Program Manager, the items that they desperately need are; cereal, pasta, rice, jelly and canned ravioli.

So you see, you can make a difference. All you need to do is to inspect your cupboards and donate non-perishable food that is NOT outdated. Or, purchase non-perishable food at your favorite grocery store and place it near your mailbox or on your porch by 8 a.m. on Saturday, May 10. Your postal carrier, or helper, will do the rest. Please make a note so you won't forget this very important day to help your area's needy.
Thank you and, together, we can make a difference in someone's life.

Gerry Payette, Bristol
East Bay Food Pantry volunteer and retired U.S.P.S. Letter Carrier